Government supports UK’s next generation of cyber security professionals

by AprilSix Proof

New Cyber MOOC launched

A Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) to inspire and educate the next generation of cyber security professionals has been launched this week. The free online course has been developed in collaboration with the Open University and is the first of its kind anywhere in the world to gain government support.

The course is for anyone wanting to improve their knowledge and skills and has the potential to reach 200,000 students. It will help to inspire the next generation of cyber security professionals, ensuring the UK has the knowledge and capability to meet current and future challenges in this field. It will also help to raise awareness of cyber security amongst the general public.

Minister for Culture and the Digital Economy Ed Vaizey said: “Employers are looking for skilled people in the cyber security field, now and in the future and we’re particularly keen to encourage more young people and women into the profession. It’s vital that we have the people and the skills to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of the information revolution.”

The course is funded by the government’s National Cyber Security Programme which aims to improve cyber security skills at all levels and is investing £860 million over 5 years to protect and promote the UK in cyber space.